Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff
Brazilian President Dilma RousseffReuters

The Brazilian Senate voted by a wide majority on Thursday to suspend President Dilma Rousseff, pending impeachment proceedings initiated against her in April.

Of the Senate’s 81 senators, 55 voted in favor suspension compared to 22 who opposed.

Rousseff has been accused of covering up the government’s spending deficit, concealing excess spending and inflating revenue figures.

Brazil’s Vice President, Michel Temer, has also been accused in the scandal, likely precluding him from serving in Rousseff’s place.

The next in the line of succession, Parliament Speaker Eduardo Cunha, has also been suspended pending accusations of corruption, intimidation, and obstruction of justice.